msc phd order

BA, BSc, MA, MSc, PhD - what do they all mean?

BA, BSc, MA, MSc, PhD (and more) are abbreviations of British degrees.

They reflect the specific level and discipline of a qualification achieved at university.

While most courses are conducted on a full-time basis, there are options for part-time, distance learning and other flexible learning arrangements.

Here is a breakdown of some of the most common qualifications and ones that Aberystwyth University offers.

• BA = Bachelor of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences;
• BSc = Bachelor of Sciences;
• BENG = Bachelor of Engineering (Software, Robotics and Physics);
• LLB = Bachelor of Law.

Achieved after 3 to 4 years of study. The extra year (for a 4 year course) can be from a year studying abroad or a year working in industry.

Integrated-Masters:

• MARTS = Masters of Arts;
• MBIOL = Masters of Biology;
• MCOMP = Masters of Computer Science;
• MENG = Masters of Engineering;
• MMATH = Masters of Mathematics;
• MPHYS = Masters of Physics;
• MSCI = Masters of Sciences and Humanities.

4 years course (3-year Bachelors, 1 year Masters) that enables you to secure a loan for the full duration rather than having to fund a Masters degree separately.

• MA = Masters of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences;
• MSc = Masters of Sciences;
• MBA = Masters of Business Administration;
• MPhil = Masters of Philosophy: Advanced research Masters degree;
• MRes = Masters of Research: Contains some taught and research elements;
• LLM = Masters of Law.

Achieved after graduation from Bachelors level, usually 1-2 years duration.

• PhD = Doctor of Philosophy: for a range of disciplines.

Achieved after graduating from Masters level, usually 3-8 years duration.

A wide range of Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Further-Research courses – across the Arts and Sciences – are available at Aberystwyth.

Abbreviating academic titles

Postnominals, the order for postnominals is:.

• degrees, in the following order:
•                bachelor's degrees
•                master's degrees
•                doctorates
•                postdoctoral
• certificates

Do not include a BSc for UT graduates, if they also have an MSc:

• EXAMPLE:  Ms Samantha Clarke, MSc 
• AVOID:  Samantha Clarke, BSc MSc PhD

Do not list both 'Dr' and 'PhD' with A name in reference to the same academic qualification:

• EXAMPLE: Tom Jones, PhD
• EXAMPLE: Dr Tom Jones 
• AVOID: Dr Tom Jones, PhD

Listing both is considered redundant, possibly misleading, and some would even argue it was in poor taste.

Translating academic titles into English - 'ir'

Native speakers of English are not familiar with the meaning of the Dutch title  ir (ingenieur) .  For that reason, the title  ir  is sometimes replaced by MSc (Master of Science). The title MSc is a postnominal that appears  after  the name, preceded by a comma:

• EXAMPLE:  L. Oppenheimer, MSc

UT has chosen to also allow the title  ir  in English texts

This decision enables the person concerned to indicate that they have completed this particular degree programme. Write the title 'ir' in italics to indicate that it is a foreign word; that is, treat it as a foreign word in an English text. 

• EXAMPLE:   Dr  ir  L. Oppenheimer
• EXAMPLE: Prof. Dr ir J. Doe

Reference List

European Commission English Style Guide - A handbook for authors and translators in the European Commission Eighth edition: January 2016 Last updated: July 2023 "[PDF File]" https://commission.europa.eu/system/files/2023-07/styleguide_english_dgt_en.pdf

University of Oxford Style Guide. "[PDF File]" Retrieved from  https://www.ox.ac.uk/public-affairs/style-guide?wssl=

• MSc International Social and Public Policy (Development)

Introduction

Preliminary readings.

This broad-ranging programme examines how societies respond to global challenges resulting from social, demographic and economic change, and issues around poverty, migration and globalisation. Looking at low, middle and high-income countries, you’ll gain the skills to identify key social challenges and analyse the social and public policies designed to tackle these issues.

We approach the policy process from an international, interdisciplinary and applied perspective. You’ll delve into the differences between social policy development and implementation in different countries and the roles of stakeholders such as governments, NGOs, families and markets.

Building on this foundation, you’ll then follow one of seven streams.

You can take either the general stream:

• MSc International Social and Public Policy

Or you can choose one of the following specialist streams:

• MSc International Social and Public Policy (Education)
• MSc International Social and Public Policy (Migration)
• MSc International Social and Public Policy (Non-Governmental Organisations)
• MSc International Social and Public Policy (Research)
• LSE-Fudan Double Master's in International Social and Public Policy

Our department is rated number one in the UK for social policy (Good University Guide 2024). We were also awarded the highest UK ranking for research in the field of social policy in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2021). So, you’ll be studying in a vibrant, highly rated research environment.

This page covers information about the specialist stream: MSc International Social and Public Policy (Development) .

This stream equips you with the analytical tools to understand and critically evaluate social development challenges in low and middle-income countries. You’ll explore various international policy and development themes, such as race, regulation, civil society and conflict, and compare how different countries address these challenges.

Optional courses enable you to tailor your studies to your interests and career goals. Current courses cover topics such as migration, non-governmental organisations, social policy and development, and social movements and activism.

You’ll complete a dissertation on a social development topic (agreed with your supervisor).

When you graduate, you’ll have the skills to contribute to the design and implementation of policies that promote sustainable development worldwide.

Extensive background reading is not essential but it's advisable for you to do some reading before commencing the programme. The following is a list of reading that will be useful for the compulsory courses:

• D Béland and R Mahon Advanced Introduction to Social Policy (Edward Elgar, 2016)
• T Faist Cross-Border Migration and Social Inequalities ( Annual Review of Sociology , 42: 323-346, 2016)
• M Hill and F Varone The Public Policy Process , Seventh Edition (Routledge, 2017)
• J Howell and J Pearce Civil Society and Development: A critical exploration (Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2001)
• T Mkandawire (ed.) Social Policy in a Development Context (Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2004)
• N Yeates (ed.) Understanding Global Social Policy , Second Edition (The Policy Press, 2014)
• A Hall and J Midgley Social Policy for Development ( London: Sage, 2004)

Entry requirements

Upper second class honours (2:1) degree or equivalent in a relevant social science.

Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.

English language requirements

The English language requirement for this programme is Higher . Read more about our English language requirements .

Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this does not guarantee you an offer of a place.

However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out from other students.

Programme content

You'll take three compulsory courses and complete a dissertation. You'll also choose courses from a wide range of further options to the value of one and a half units.

International Social and Public Policy

Understanding policy research, social policy and development, dissertation - international social and public policy, courses to the value of one and a half units from a range of options, programme regulations at lse.

For the latest list of courses, please go to the relevant School Calendar page .

A few important points you’ll need to know:

We may need to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees due to unforeseen circumstances. We’ll always notify you as early as possible and recommend alternatives where we can.

The School is not liable for changes to published information or for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside our control (including a lack of demand, industrial action, fire, flooding or other damage to premises).

Places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements so we cannot therefore guarantee you a place.

Changes to programmes and courses may be made after you’ve accepted your offer of a place – normally due to global developments in the discipline or student feedback. We may also make changes to course content, teaching formats or assessment methods but these are always made to improve the learning experience.

For full details about the availability or content of courses and programmes, please take a look at the School’s  Calendar , or contact the relevant academic department.

Some major changes to programmes/courses are posted on our  updated graduate course and programme information page .

Why study with us

Discover more about our students and department.

Meet the department

The Department of Social Policy is an internationally recognised centre of research and teaching excellence in social and public policy.

From its formation in 1912, the department has conducted pioneering research on contemporary social problems and helped develop policy solutions.

The department has an interdisciplinary and international outlook. Our academics conduct research on pressing global issues such as poverty, inequality, crime, unemployment, healthcare, education and housing. Collectively, our faculty team draw on their backgrounds in anthropology, demography, economics, political science, sociology, as well as social and public policy.

We advise national and international governments and organisations and our research shapes decision-making and policy direction at the highest levels.

Within the department, we offer a mix of undergraduate and postgraduate study opportunities. Our department is rated number one in the UK for social policy (Good University Guide 2024). We were also awarded the highest UK ranking for research in the field of social policy in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (2021).

The teaching curriculum is research-led, focused on applying global insights and supporting students with their learning at every stage of their journey.

Our alumni work in prominent government positions, national and international NGOs, the public and private sectors, and universities across the world.

Learn more about our programmes and research .

Department of Social Policy

University of the Year 2025 and 1st in the UK

1st in london for the 13th year running, 6th in the world.

Carbon Neutral In 2021, LSE became the first Carbon Neutral verified university in the UK

Your application, when to apply.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students. At LSE, we want to recruit students with the best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of background.

We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form, such as your:

• academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
• statement of academic purpose
• two academic references

See further information on supporting documents .

You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements .

Please note : The applications, intake and ratio values below include all the streams of this programme.

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis. This means that applications will close once the programme is full.

There is no fixed deadline. However, if you’d like to be considered for any funding opportunities, you must submit your application (and all supporting documents) by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section below for more details.

Fees and funding

The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.

You're charged a fee for your programme. At LSE, your tuition fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It doesn't cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.

Home student fee (2025/26)

For this programme, the tuition fee is different for home and overseas students depending on their fee status.

Overseas student fee (2025/26)

At LSE, your tuition fees, and eligibility for any financial support, will depend on whether you’re classified as a home or overseas student (known as your fee status). We assess your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department for Education.

Further information about fee status classification .

Scholarships, bursaries and loans

Fee reduction

Students who completed undergraduate study at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a fee reduction of around 10 per cent of the fee.

Scholarships and other funding

We recognise that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town/city or country and we provide generous scholarships to help both home and overseas students.

We offer some needs-based awards for this programme, including the  Graduate Support Scheme ,  Master's Awards , and  Anniversary Scholarships . Competition for these awards and scholarships is strong. To apply for an award, you must have an offer of a place and submit a Graduate Financial Support application before the funding deadline.

The funding deadline for needs-based awards from LSE: 24 April 2025 .

In addition to our needs-based awards, we offer scholarships for students from specific regions of the world and awards for certain subjects .

You can’t apply for a Graduate Support Scheme or LSE scholarship once you’ve joined the School.

You can also apply for Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funding when you apply as part of a 1+3 research programme. The 1+3 scheme provides funding for a one-year research training master's linked to a three-year PhD. It's designed for students who have not completed an ESRC-recognised programme of research training at MSc level.

To be considered for ESRC funding, you need to supply your application (and any supporting documents ) before the funding deadline.

Funding deadline for ESRC funding: 15 January 2025.

Please note: we do expect students who register for a programme to have sufficient funds for the duration.

Government tuition fee loans and external funding

The UK Government offers a postgraduate loan for eligible students studying for a first master’s programme. This is designed to help with fees and living costs. Some other governments and organisations also offer tuition fee loan schemes.

Find out more about tuition fee loans .

Further information

Learn more about fees and funding opportunities .

Learning and assessment

How you learn, how you're assessed, contact hours and independent study.

Within your programme you'll take a number of courses, often including half unit courses and full unit courses. In half unit courses, on average, you can expect 20-30 contact hours in total and for full unit courses, on average, you can expect 40-60 contact hours in total. This includes sessions such as lectures, classes, seminars or workshops. Hours vary according to courses and you can view indicative details in the Calendar within the Teaching section of each course guide .

You're also expected to complete independent study outside of class time. This varies depending on the programme, but requires you to manage the majority of your study time yourself, by engaging in activities such as reading, note-taking, thinking and research.

Teaching methods

LSE is internationally recognised for its teaching and research and therefore employs a rich variety of teaching staff with a range of experience and status. Courses may be taught by individual members of faculty, such as lecturers, senior lecturers, readers, associate professors and professors. Many departments now also employ guest teachers and visiting members of staff, LSE teaching fellows and graduate teaching assistants who are usually doctoral research students and in the majority of cases, teach on undergraduate courses only. You can view indicative details for the teacher responsible for each course in the relevant  course guide .

Academic support

Academic mentor: you’ll meet with your academic mentor regularly to discuss your work. Your mentor can provide advice and guidance on academic issues and, where appropriate, personal concerns.

Other academic support: at LSE, we offer lots of opportunities to extend your learning outside the classroom.

LSE LIFE is a great place to get advice and practise the skills you’ll need during your studies and beyond.

Through LSE LIFE, you can:

• attend workshops on developing leadership skills, finding the right study/work/life balance and preparing for the world of work
• develop your reading, academic writing and critical-thinking skills
• gain experience of working in study groups and develop your cross-cultural communication and teamwork skills.

Disability and Mental Health Service: we want all LSE students to achieve their full potential. Students can access free, confidential advice through our Disability and Mental Health Service . This is the first point of contact for students.

All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It's designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. LSE uses a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others. Summative assessment may be conducted during the course or by final examination at the end of the course. An indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant course guide.

Graduate destinations

Career support.

Students who have graduated from programmes similar to this have gone on to work for:

• different UN agencies including UNDP, UNICEF and UNHCR
• a variety of small and large NGOs including Oxfam, Médecins Sans Frontières, International Red Cross and One World
• action international or intergovernmental organisations such as the World Economic Forum, European Commission and World Bank
• consulting companies
• government ministries.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.

Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.

See LSE Careers for further details.

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